The persistent drought in parts of Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, continues to challenge local communities due to significantly reduced rainfall and water inflow since last winter. According to the Ministry of Water Resources on Wednesday, the ongoing drought has impacted approximately 703,000 people across 13 cities and prefectures.
Despite these challenges, authorities assure that there is sufficient water supply for both urban and rural residents. The Ministry of Water Resources has been proactive, dispatching working groups twice before and after the Spring Festival to assess the drought conditions and guide efforts in securing water supply for households and supporting spring agricultural production.
In a coordinated effort, the ministry facilitated additional national debt funds to support Yunnan in constructing 20 medium-sized reservoirs and 47 small reservoirs. Furthermore, plans are underway to transform 27 irrigation districts, a move expected to restore irrigation to over 66,667 hectares of farmland, bolstering agricultural resilience in the region.
These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to mitigate the drought’s impact, ensuring water security for the population and safeguarding agricultural productivity in Yunnan Province.
